UK Anti-Doping launches Report Doping in Sport hotline
New hotline helps sport clamp down on drug cheats
Sport England has welcomed the launch of UK
Anti-Doping’s new “Report Doping in Sport” hotline.
The initiative, which was announced last year,
comes on the back of UK Anti-Doping’s first six months of operation
which has already seen a world-first positive test for human growth
hormone. In addition the organisation has formed an Athlete
Committee, celebrated five years of the “100% me” anti-doping
education programme and provided education and support to every
member of the GB team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and
Paralympics.
The Report Doping in Sport line is for
athletes, support personnel or concerned family and friends to pass
on information about the use, supply or trafficking of doping
substances. The line gives the sporting community a simple
mechanism by which they can lodge any suspicions or evidence they
may have, safe in the knowledge there is nothing to fear by doing
so. By dialling 0800 032 2332, callers will be able to speak to
someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Callers can remain anonymous and can rest
assured that any information they share will not only be treated in
confidence but be researched and investigated.
“To protect our athletes we need to tackle the
supply and trafficking of doping substances,” said UK Anti-Doping’s
Chief Executive, Andy Parkinson. “The most effective way for us to
do this is with the help of athletes, coaches and support personnel
as they are the closest people to sport. We are urging people to
come forward with any information on doping, no matter how
insignificant they might feel it is. The smallest amount of
information could be the missing link that enables us to take
action and protect sport from those who want to cheat.”
Minister for Sport and Olympics, Hugh
Robertson, said “UK Anti-Doping has made a strong start since its
formation as an independent organisation. It is forging ahead in
the fight against drugs in sport and this is another good
initiative to protect the integrity of sport. There is no greater
threat to the sporting integrity of London’s Olympics than doping
and it is incumbent upon us as the host city to have the strongest
possible anti-doping measures in place. The ‘Report Doping In
Sport’ hotline sends out a strong message to anyone coming to the
UK that we do not tolerate cheats.”
To find out more about UK Anti-Doping and
their work, visit their
website
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